The ongoing, in-depth transformation of the electricity sector towards increased use of alternative,
renewable energy sources extends beyond a simple decentralisation drive in the electricity market.
The transformation process is characterised by the interplay of old and new technologies from the
energy sector as well as structural coupling with other sectors, such as the information and
communications technology (ICT), enabling the technology transfer as well as market entry by
information technology (IT) actors. Blockchain-based technologies have the potential to play a key
role in this transition by offering decentralised interfaces and systems as well as an alternative
approach to the current organisation form of the energy market. This paper discusses the applicability
and prospects for blockchain-based technologies in the energy sector, which are described
using the term “blockchain energy”. For the purposes of this study, blockchain energy encompasses
all socio-technical and organisational configurations in the energy sector based on the
utilisation of the blockchain principle for energy trading, information storage, and/or increased
transparency of energy flows and energy services. In the following chapters, the authors present
and discuss the current transformation in the electricity market, followed by a review of the
different utilisation possibilities for blockchain technologies in the energy sector and a discussion
of the barriers and potential for blockchain energy using a transition studies perspective. Finally,
the opportunities and risks of blockchain energy are discussed.
Keywords: Blockchain energy management | Crowd energy | Transition research